New 200-acre racing attraction is planned for Osceola County, Florida

19th July 2017

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A new 200-acre racing attraction, The Orlando Motorsports Park and driving experience, is planned for Osceola County, Florida – just a few miles west of Disney World.

Miami businessman and racing instructor Andy Bardar is planning to develop 217 vacant acres on the southwest corner of US 192 and State Road 429. The Margaritaville Resort developments are being constructed just across 429.

Details on the Orlando Motorsports Park project are still being kept quiet. However it’s likely that three courses are planned. There would be a private club course for members and professionals alongside one geared to the general public. A cart course is also likely. The courses are being designed by German engineers and architects Tilke who specialise in race tracks.

There would be a members-only area to include indoor vehicle storage and vehicle maintenance. A clubhouse and lodging units for members are also on the cards.

Ongoing speculation

Commercial retail would stretch along U.S. 192. There would be a variety of stores selling food and beverages. Specialist stores focused on automobile accessories, clothing and collectibles are also likely. In addition, a museum and driving instruction have been touted.

There has been speculation about a new driving experience in Orlando for some time. The Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway closed in 2015 after a man died in a crash. There were rumours that a Petty-affiliated project might reopen. However Jeff Dennison, a spokesman for the Petty companies, was clear that the Osceola plan “doesn’t involve the Richard Petty Driving Experience.”

The Osceola Board of County Commissioners approved a zoning amendment to rezone the property as a commercial tourist area in 2013.

Bardar is also seeking a noise variance for the attraction. The variance application states that: “We are seeking to limit noise leaving the site from the road course operation” by moving the club course east a little and building walls to contain noise on site.”

Racecourse hours would be 9 a.m.-10 p.m., according to the applications.